Black Hills State University graduate, Brian Shaw, Class of 2004, participates in the car walk event at the World’s Strongest Man competition. Participants pick up the 1000-pound car and carry it 82 feet as fast as possible. Shaw, who has earned the title of World's Strongest Man two times in three years, will be honored with this year's Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Brian Shaw has come a long way in the 10 years since he played center for the Black Hills State University Yellow Jacket basketball team. Earlier this fall, Shaw deadlifted 975 pounds to secure his place as the 2013 World’s Strongest Man, earning the title for the second time in three years.

Shaw, a 2004 graduate of BHSU, will again take the court at the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center this month as he accepts this year’s Young Alumni Achievement Award. Shaw will be honored during halftime of the home opener of the men’s basketball game Saturday, Nov. 16. Shaw will also sign autographs from 5-6:30 p.m., prior to the BHSU women’s and men’s basketball games. The first 300 people will receive a free 8 x 10 autographed photo of Shaw. Tip-off for the women’s game is 5:30 p.m. and the men’s game is 7:30 p.m.

Growing up in Ft. Lupton, Colo., Shaw excelled at athletics at a young age using his strength and determination to succeed in many sports, particularly basketball. He earned a scholarship to play with the Yellow Jackets and during his training for basketball discovered a passion for weight training. After earning his wellness management degree, he decided to pursue the title of World’s Strongest Man, a competition he watched as a child.

Shaw accepts the 2011 World’s Strongest Man trophy.

Shaw during his time as a basketball player for the BHSU Yellow Jackets.

He had always been strong and competitive so with no formal training he entered and won his first strongest man contest in 2005. Only seven months later, Shaw won his pro card at Utah’s Strongest Man competition officially earning the title of a professional strongman.

He began competing in international competitions, winning numerous strongman contests, including back-to-back Strongman Super Series World Championships. He qualified for his first World’s Strongest Man competition in 2008. A year later he placed third in the contest; the following year he placed second; and in 2011 he officially became the World’s Strongest Man. In September 2013, Shaw once again took home the title of World’s Strongest Man during the competition in Sanya, China.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award is given in honor of an alum who has attended BHSU within the last 10 years and has distinguished him or herself with outstanding achievements, contributions and service to society, the community, and the University.

This event is sponsored by the BHSU Alumni Association. For more information call 605-642-6385.

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